In Memory Of ...
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Terry L. LawlerNovember 19, 1946 - September 29, 2011 Service:PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF LOCATION AND TIME OF SERVICE. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at the U.W. Parkside Cinema, 900 Wood Road. Please park in the Student Center Parking Lot. Visitation:A visitation will be held on Friday, October 7th from 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home, 3720 39th Avenue. Memorial:In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances to Safe Harbor Humane Society, 7811 60th Ave., Kenosha, WI 53142, would be appreciated. Obituary:Terry L. Lawler was born to eternal life on September 29, 2011. Born on November 19, 1946 in Appleton, WI, he was the son of Joyce (Studler) and the late Leland Lawler. Terry was a 1964 graduate of Janesville Sr. High. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater with a Bachelor's degree in English in 1968 and a Master's degree in English in 1977. His teaching career began at Tremper High School in September, 1968 and continued until January, 2002. He was an exceptional AP English instructor, and initiated the theatrical concepts of the Madrigal Feast at Tremper. He was one of the founders of the Lakeside Players. Terry was an essayist for both the Kenosha News and WEAC. He published a book in 2010, a collection of his essays, called "The Learning Curve". He was also involved in alternative energy for the Midwest. From birth through 2004, Terry enjoyed going "up at the lake" where he was surrounded by aunts, uncles, great aunts, numerous cousins, and other extended family members. Every weekend was like a family reunion. He loved fishing on Half Moon Lake and deer hunting with Uncle Red and Dad. For decades he was involved in professional and Community Theater in the area. He was the co-founder of E & L Educational Enterprises with Buzz Englund. Terry possessed many gifts. An influential teacher, tutor, mentor, to students and colleagues alike, incisive and accessible author and lecturer, wordsmith, entrepreneur, director, actor, radio and television moderator, commentator, columnist, photographic artist, labor and social leader, community activist and celebrant. He was caring and concerned, loyal and generous, abundantly accomplished and completely unselfish in recognizing and encouraging the talents and dreams of others. He thought himself richly blest to be surrounded on his life's journey by the love, support and talents of his wife, Colleen, his family and his friends. Terry believed in the future, a bright future, in the common goodness of his fellow man and admired the genius and creativity of individuals. Those who knew Terry can attest to his pithy humor, wit, facility with language and keen analysis of world and local events. He was thoughtful and reasonable. If you were numbered among those close to him, you knew yourself fortunate in love and friendship. Personalities of such magnitude are rarely encountered and never replaced. Others may rise to stand beside them, but they cannot be diminished. Terry will be profoundly and deeply missed by those who knew him and the community he devotedly served his entire life. He was a unique individual, a big man because of a great heart. He believed in the best in all of us, may we rise to his belief. He is survived by his wife, Colleen (Zuehlsdorf); his sister, Debbie (Michael) Riley; his stepsons from a previous marriage, Jeff and Jay Willman; his nieces, Jenny (Mark Tadder) Spohn and Nichole (John) Molhem, his great-nephews and niece, Devon Spohn, Jalen and Ava James, Daniel, Dylan and soon to be born Drake Molhem. PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF LOCATION AND TIME OF SERVICE.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at the U.W. Parkside Cinema, 900 Wood Road. Please park in the Student Center Parking Lot. A visitation will be held on Friday, October 7th from 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances to Safe Harbor Humane Society, 7811 60th Ave., Kenosha, WI 53142, would be appreciated.
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Condolences
Posted on: October 18, 2011 | By: Robert Hazod
Lawler Family:
We were deeply sadded to hear of Brother Terry Lawler's passing. He was very instrumental in re-colonizing Lambda Chi Alpha back on Whitewater's campus the past 5 years. He led by words, by example, by common sense, and by humor. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Brothers of the Lambda Chi Alpha Alumni Association-Whitewater, WI
Posted on: October 14, 2011 | By: Cindy Hakala
Dear Lawler Family,
I wanted to write to express my sympathy to you all at this difficult time. I had the great pleasure to have Mr. Lawler for a teacher ten years ago. I have many things to be grateful to him for including polishing my writing just in time for college, for improving my understanding of Shakespeare tenfold, and for wonderful memories of the Christmas Feast. Even as I write this I am terrified that he is now watching me from Heaven, about to fail this note for a run-on sentence. :-)
He was a wonderful man and I hope this note lets you know that his memory lives on in the hearts of all the students he taught over the years.
In deepest sympathy,
Cindy (Gentz) Hakala
class of 2002
Posted on: October 07, 2011 | By: Janet Evans
In my 30 years in the Tremper H.S. Office, Terry was one of the most admired teachers on staff. I had just talked to him on Wednesday at the retiree breakfast - what a shock to find out Thursday that he had passed. He will be very much missed.
Posted on: October 08, 2011 | By: Virginia Brown
I am so sorry to miss what must be grand celebrations for a grand life. I extend my sympathy to Terry's family, but that seems like such a week sentiment with which to address the grief they must feel at such a loss.
Although I have not seen Terry often in recent years, he was still important in my life--as with so many others. I looked forward to his education column which always would make me think or crystallize my own nebulous thoughts. My first year in Kenosha was 1974 and I got to know Terry through Lakeside Players and subbing at Tremper. As an educator, "theater person," and friend he raised the bar for all of us just by being Terry. I imagine he will do the same in his afterlife!
Posted on: October 07, 2011 | By: Michael Fasciotti
Mr. Lawler was my English teacher at Tremper. I will never forgot him calling me out in front of the entire class, gruffly stating in his own special way, "Congratulations Fasciotti. You set a new record. You screwed up two words into the essay." Mr. Lawler was one of those teachers who inspired you to be better at what you did. My condolences to his family. He was one of those special teachers and will be missed.
Posted on: October 07, 2011 | By: Mary Jane Sadauskas
My deepest sympathy to the Lawler family. Terry was one of my favorite teachers "back in the day" at Tremper - circa 1971. He was a great teacher and alot of fun. I was so sorry to see that he passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Posted on: October 07, 2011 | By: Michael Stanich
Dear Family of Terry Lawler,
Though I have'nt seen your loved one anywhere recently other than his picture in the Kenosha News, his passing evoked so many positive thoughts that I dare not hold them captive.
Above all else, Mr. Lawler (as I knew him ) was one of the most fun loving, passionate people I have met anywhere. The experience of being in his English literature class was so memorable and enjoyable!
Mr. Lawler's wit, humor, intelligence and grasp of his subject were the clear winners of my immediate respect. As a teacher, he was an excellent communicator and provided both inspiration and motivation to listen, learn and try to do as well as you could in his arena.
Further, he provided a compelling environment to encourage exploration of one's "creative side" and then articulate it in a "perfect" manner!
Thank you, Mr. Lawler for your expression and impression in & on my life. You were only after the BEST that I could muster up, and that is a GOOD thing.
God's Peace to all family, friends and former students of this great man.
Michael Stanich / Class of 80' / Tremper HS
Posted on: October 06, 2011 | By: Judy Dewane
Dear Colleen, and all of Terry's family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family for your loss. Uncle Terry always managed to see the good and promise in people, and the world is a better place because he was a part of it.
Posted on: October 06, 2011 | By: Alan Ventura
Terry was there when I joined Lakeside Players in 1979. He will be sadly missed.
Posted on: October 07, 2011 | By: Courtney Shaughnessy
Colleen-
I am so thankful for the time I got to spend with Terry-He was just an amazing man with a big heart, big voice and one of the best laughs ever-I am so sorry. We are all so lucky for the time we got to spend with him. May God comfort you and your family at this time and forever-
All our love- Jon, Courtney, Matthew and Mae Kotloski
Posted on: October 07, 2011 | By: Bill Noggle
I love what one of the many people that left their thoughts wrote:”Condolences for OUR loss, yours, mine, the worlds." Terry truly made his mark by leaving the world a better place by touching the lives of the people around him. I’m glad I was one of them and sorry that I didn’t get to spend more time with him.
Posted on: October 06, 2011 | By: Dave Stewart
During this time, I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to your family.
Colleen:
I am so very sorry to hear of Terry's passing! Too young, much too young! Please know that you and your family are in my most sacred thoughts during these days and all your days to come.
The obituary is a beautiful composition, and the online condolences certainly capture Terry and all that he means to so many. I know I enjoyed getting to know Terry during my stay at Piasecki-Althaus and was witness to his remarkable gifts as a Celebrant.
Terry's life and his death serve as a reminder of how precious every single moment is, and I hope that in so many ways your life will blossom with Terry's memories...keeping you centered in the beauty of it all that I'm sure he would want for you!
I still smile broadly when I think of you Colleen as you have an amazing gift of bringing joy into every situation. May all that you and Terry have given to others return to you now...in your time of need. Terry will remain a part of my living - serving as a reminder to me of how precious this life truly is.
Love and Hugs and Kisses Colleen,
Dave Stewart
Posted on: October 06, 2011 | By: Barbara Hammond
Dear Colleen,
Terry taught me English my junior year at Tremper and we have stayed in touch as I embarked on my career as a playwright in Dublin and New York. What an exceptional man and teacher! He was tough and caring at the same time, and he helped this defensive teenager to stop coasting and start writing in a meaningful way. I still stare at a sentence sometimes and wonder if it would pass muster with Terry!
He will be greatly missed.
With sympathy and affection,
Barbara Hammond
Posted on: October 05, 2011 | By: Susan Gucciardi
Colleen, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your husband. I love how his obituary is opened- he entered into eternal LIFE. Praise God. Terry seemed to have had a very positive influence on everyone he encountered and he made a difference wherever he went. What an amazing man! I'm praying for your heart and for your family. You will get through this. God is so close to you and you are incredibly precious to His heart!
"The heavens are Yours, the earth also is Yours;
the world and all it contains,
You have founded them.
The north and the south, You have created them;
Tabor and Hermon shout for joy at Your name.
You have a strong arm;
Your hand is mighty, Your right hand is exalted.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne;
Lovingkindness and truth go before You.
How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound!
O LORD, they walk in the light of Your countenance.
In Your name they rejoice all the day,
And by Your righteousness they are exalted.
For You are the glory of their strength,
And by Your favor our horn is exalted.
For our shield belongs to the LORD . . .
"Blessed by the LORD forever!
Amen and Amen." psalm 89
Posted on: October 05, 2011 | By: Jeff Waluch
Colleen,
Most humble condolences on our loss---Yours, Mine, the World--It seems the world got just a little meaner the day Terry left us. I was back in Kenosha in September for my Uncles funeral, it was a busy time and I kept moving Terry around on my to-do list for people to visit before heading home to Texas. I regret that---I will Miss Thee, Sir Terry.
My Teacher --Friend and Mentor
RIP
Jeff "Wally"Waluch
Posted on: October 05, 2011 | By: hank krokosky
Sorry for your loss.
Krokosky
WEAC - Fox Valley
Posted on: October 04, 2011 | By: Olivia Alger
I had only known Terry Lawler for a few weeks, but in those few weeks I learned more about writing than I had in the duration of a whole school year. I was his youngest student--heading into sixth grade at the time. He had helped me explore the outer realm of writing. Something that had infuenced me the most was when he told me, "Now I know you through your writing, I want you to know me through my writing." To me, he'll never be truly gone. I don't know any of his family members, but I want you to know he was a wonderful person with a warm heart and he impacted me a great deal.
Posted on: October 03, 2011 | By: Jeff Hughes (aka Coach)
Colleen - I am so sorry for your loss. I admired TL greatly and was so happy to have worked with him. I will miss him. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely - Coach
Posted on: October 03, 2011 | By: Carl E. Rosine
To the family of Terry Lawler,
I am sorry to hear of your loss, and will hold your family into the light and keep them in my prayers. Terry was a great man and he will be missed. Terry is looking down at us and smiling so I will say that he is happy and glad to have friends and family members who care for him and will always remember him.
Posted on: October 04, 2011 | By: KarenLee Herron
Colleen,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your husband, whom we were privileged to have as a dear step uncle while growing up with our cousins Jeff and Jay. Though we know that many friends and family share your grief, please know that he will remain very much alive in the memories of all of use who loved, respected and treasure him.
Uncle Terry had a keen mind and a sense of humor that were unequalled. Some of my fondest childhood memories were attending his performances at the Lakeside Players with my grandmother Beatrice. It is from these performances that my love of Shakespeare grew.
A towering bear of a man to a little girl growing up. Uncle Terry was the most approachable, engaging person that I have met. I am truly sadden by his loss.
KarenLee and David Herron
Posted on: October 02, 2011 | By: John C. Zahn
To friends and family of Terry:
It has been my privilege to have been a colleague of Terry's at Tremper High School. He was an inspiration and mentor to me, as well as many others. I am so sorry for your loss. He will be missed.
John
Posted on: October 02, 2011 | By: Ellen Kupfer
My thoughts and prayers go out to Colleen and all Terry's good friends. Bless you Terry for enriching all our lives with your voice and humor. I will always remember your thoughtfulness in offering to go with me on my first ride back on my Harley after the crash last year. Ride on Terry.
Posted on: October 02, 2011 | By: Margo Hammond
Last April when I was in Kenosha, I met with Terry at Andrea's and we talked, among many other things, about his unique work as a celebrant officiating at non-religious funerals. Last week Terry posted on Facebook that he finally had decided to write a book about those unique experiences. Beginning his research, he asked his Facebook friends if we were afraid of death. Several of us responded. Terry sent me a note back: "...my brain told me the time is right to begin. I performed my 51st service last week. I'm trying to set a realistic goal-- one to two good pages a day... Working title "Saying Goodbye to Strangers." One week later, when I heard the sad news of Terry's own death, I couldn't help but think of that word celebrant. It is a perfect way to describe Terry's whole life. He was a celebrant in every sense, celebrating life to the fullest. Such a life-affirming spirit, Terry lives on in all who knew him. I hope that gives his family some small measure of comfort in their sorrow. To all of them, my deepest condolences.
Posted on: October 02, 2011 | By: Carol Knudson
May the memories you have made sustain the family in the years to come. We will all miss Terry. He enriched so many lives and touched so many people. He lived his short life to the fullest and seemed to enjoy all that he did. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. I identify strongly with the sentiments in this poem. I hope it offers some comfort.
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die
Posted on: October 02, 2011 | By: Joan and Bob Lesko
Prayers and Sympathy to all of Terry and Colleen Families. Terry was in our Kenosha HOG Chapter.
Bob and Joan Lesko
and the Kenosha HOG Chapter
Posted on: October 02, 2011 | By: Stephanie and Tom Frohne
Colleen, we are saddened to hear about Terry. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Love, Tom and Steph Frohne
Posted on: October 02, 2011 | By: Jeffrey Gray
Colleen,I'm very sorry for your loss.I have always been proud to count Terry as a friend.I will miss him as I am sure we all will. I'm sad that I'm too far away to attend the service.Take care,you are in my thoughts. Jeff
Posted on: October 02, 2011 | By: Kenneth Jensen
Collen and family, I was devasted to learn of Terry's passing. Terry once rented from my parents out on the lakeshore. I didn't know that when I accepted a recommendation that he handle my mother's (Dorothy Jensen's) funeral service. I was very pleased with what he did and hoped to see him again sometime. Sad not to have the chance.
Please accept my sincere condolences. Yours in sorrow, Ken Jensen
